Satsangs

Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.~James Swartz

ShiningWorld Reader

Mary: Dear Ram, I’ve been in a relationship a few times, and in hindsight it all seems pointless and meaningless, one of those dead spots that a tentative tentacle happens upon before it lifts itself off again and moves along. I was thinking of my ex-husband and I remembered that within a month of meeting each other we were head over heels in a no-turning-back relationship. And often then, I used to think, “I am not dependent on this person for my happiness or my life. Where was he before I met him? Totally unknown to me and I was fine before and I’ll be fine again, even though the relationship is charged with emotion. I am myself with or without him and even if this relationship had to end – I will have lost nothing.” Eighteen years later, after much love, hate – the full catastrophe – this knowledge was with me and stood me in good stead.

Ram: I know what you mean, Mary, but why didn’t you use this knowledge to prevent the relationship from going onto the negative path? You told me that you spent – was it six years? – in therapy getting over it, not to mention all the unhappy drama. Did you feel this way when you were so angry you physically attacked him? This understanding is very valuable but if it is going to amount to freedom, it needs to be accompanied by discrimination, which in this context I would define as the ability to abide in oneself when the emotions are attempting to pull one down into them. Of course you could not use the knowledge, because you didn’t know its value and therefore you did not have full confidence in it. A young child offered the choice between a one-hundred-dollar bill and a one-penny piece of candy will choose the candy every time.

~ Love, Ram

Contacting Shining World

For years I have happily and diligently responded to communications on the topic of Self realization. Since the publication of my book, “How to Attain Enlightenment”— currently in its third printing —and the success of this website, the volume of emails has increased considerably. Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule of teaching and writing, I am no longer able to answer all the emails I receive in a timely fashion. However, my wife, who is also a teacher, and several well-qualified teachers we have endorsed are available to answer emails on my behalf. I encourage you to send them your questions.
— James SwartzContact Us